Igniting Faith

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    IGNITING FAITH

    IN 40 DAYS

    by

    Steve & Wendy

    Backlund*************************************************

    2006 - Steve and Wendy Backlund (ignitedhope.com)

    All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyrightlaws of the United States of America. This book may not becopied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use ofshort quotations or occasional page copying for personal orgroup study is permitted and encouraged. Unless otherwiseidentified, Scripture quotations are from the New KingJames Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved. All emphasis withinScripture is the authors own. Please note that the authorspublishing style capitalizes certain pronouns in Scripturethat refer to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and may differfrom other publishers styles.

    ISBN 978-1-59872-758-6**************************************************************************** Many thanks to the following for their input in the writing ofthese devotionals: Elaine Smith, Dale Kaz, Jeanie Sandahl,Michelle Alderson, and Maureen Puddle.****************************************************************************

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    This book is dedicated to:our children -

    Joel, Kyle, and Heidi

    We also dedicate this book to thecongregations at

    Desert Oasis Christian Centerin Round Mountain, Nevada, andMountain Chapel in Weaverville,California. Thanks for loving us,

    pouring into us, and believing in usas we have sought to be all that God

    has called us to be.

    Finally, we also dedicate this bookto Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton.

    Thank you for following your dreamand paying a price so we could findGod and His goodness in a way we

    never thought we could.

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    3Table of Contents

    DAYLegal vs. Experiential Ownership 1

    A Lying Apple Tree? 2Bringing Life to Dead Places 3Praying in Faith 4,5

    Dealing With Uncertainty 6Cut Off From Grace 7Rose Colored Glasses 8Who Do You Think You Are 9,10Non-Negotiable Convictions 11Do Not Say . . . 12Where Am I 13Kratos Power 14Never Enough? 15End Times Theology 16Remember Your Benefits 17

    Presumptuous Faith 18Repenting From or Repenting To 19Saints or Sinners 20Something Greater Than Character 21The Crucial Moment 22Faith Makes a Difference 23Walking Off a Two Story Spiritual Roof 24,25Valuing Joy 26What About Job 27,28,29Judging the Faith of Others 30Faith and Medicine 31

    Wrestling for What 32Dont Withdraw Your Faith 33Are We There Yet 34Escaping Into God 35The Goal: Becoming Fully Convinced 36The Cause of Disasters 37Influencing the Economy, Weather & Public Health 38Attracting Favor or Rejection to Our Lives 39,40Declarations List Appendix OneNegativity Fast Appendix TwoCracks in the Foundation Info Appendix Three

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    Introduction

    I invite you on a forty-day journey to change the wayyou think. Transformation starts with our thoughts (Ro-mans 12:1,2). The quality of our lives and the ad-vancement of Gods kingdom depend on renewing thespirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:22-24).

    Wendy and I have learned that true faith is built onhope; a confident, optimistic expectation about the fu-ture based on Gods promises & a revelation of Hisgoodness. This book is filled with hope for you, yourfamily, your church, your city, & your nation.

    Get ready to grow. Get ready to declare Gods prom-ises. Get ready for transformation. Today is the first dayof the rest of your life. We bless you as you Ignite YourFaith.

    Steve Backlund

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    5How to Use This Book

    Igniting Faith in 40 Days*has two major components. Thefirst is the daily devotional teaching, which will strengthenyou through its biblical principles of faith. The second is thespeaking forth of the declarations mentioned in #2 and #3below - faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Eventhough there is benefit in just reading this book, considerthis radical format to maximize its contents:

    1. Read a teaching (devotional) each day for 40 days.2. Boldly speak the declaration for the devotional.3. Boldly speak one of the declaration lists from the back

    of the book (do both morning and night).4. Read Mark, Galatians, Proverbs, and chapter 4 from

    Romans, Philippians, and Hebrews during the 40 days.5. Listen to one or all of these CD series during the 40

    days: Relentless Mind Renewal, Victorious Faith, orFraming Our Future. Available at http://store.ibethel.org/

    6. Go on a NEGATIVITY FAST (also called a POSITIVITYFEAST) during the 40 days. This book is an ideal re-source to use during this kind of fast. Ideas for yournegativity fast are available in the appendix in the backof the book.

    7. Finally, and most importantly, find one or more othersto join you in this experience.

    * The message of this book is not a single formula of suc-cess, but a necessary ingredient to add to a life of intimacywith Jesus.

    Use the checklist that is on most pages to help you.The abbreviations of the checklist are:

    BR (Bible reading)RD (read devotional)DD (spoken devotional declaration)OD (other declarations spoken from back of book)NF (negativity fast)

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    6Day #1

    Legal vs. Experiential OwnershipEvery place . . . I have given you (Joshua 1:3)

    Joshua chapter one is the place to go for those ready toleave wilderness Christianity. Joshua was called to lead the

    new generation into the Promised Land. In verse two, Godsays, Go to the land I am giving you. He adds in versethree, Every place your foot treads, I have given you. Thenverse four gives the boundaries to what was theirs.

    Its fascinating that they are told what is legally theirs beforethey experientially possessed it. Legal ownership was noguarantee of experiential ownership. It was called the Prom-ised Land so that they would confidently proceed to pos-sess it - no matter what obstacles they encountered.

    It is no different for us today. We have our own promised

    land. Its not a geographical area, but it is specific blessings.For instance, every person has the legal ownership of eter-nal life, but that must be possessed experientially throughfaith in Christ. Also, God promises us health, favor, spiritualpower, protection, abundant provision, wisdom, and muchmore. Peter refers to the exceedingly, great and preciouspromises which were given to us to participate in the di-vine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We may have to overcome manychallenges to experience these promises, but we can. Letspersevere and keep seeking to possess what is already le-gally ours.

    Declare: I am who the Bible says I am. I have what it saysI have. I can do what it says I can do. I increasingly possessin my experience the promises of God.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    The abbreviations are: BR (Bible Reading), RD (Read Devo-tional), DD (Spoken Devotional Declaration), OD (Other Dec-larations spoken from back of book), NF (Negativity Fast)

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    7Day 2

    A Lying Apple Tree?Calling those things that are not . . . (Romans 4:17)

    An apple tree will produce apples because of what it is.When it is young, it will have no apples; but it still must say,

    I am an apple tree. When it is winter and there are no ap-ples; it still says, I am an apple tree. Is it lying at thosetimes? No. It would be lying to say anything different.

    Many Christians have a hard time saying who God says theyare when no fruit is manifesting in that particular area. Couldthey be too young in that truth to be fruitful? Could they bein a season where that dimension of the Christian life is be-ing pruned back for future growth? Either way, it does notmean they are lying when they say, I am anointed, pros-perous, delivered, healed, righteous, strong etc. Joel 3:10

    says, Let the weak say I am strong. We dont deny thefact of weakness, but we focus on the greater truth that weare strong in Him.

    Again, because the Word says we ARE these things, wewould be untruthful to say anything different. Lets not lieagainst the truth. Indeed, we ARE what the Bible says weare.

    Declare: I am who the Word says I am. I have a soundmind. I have great favor with God and man. People love me.

    I am a happy person. I love life and enjoy every day. I walkin divine health. I have abundant provision. I am blessed andprotected. I increasingly know who and what I am in Christ. Imake a tremendous difference for Christ wherever I go.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Check out ignitedhope.com to find extra insight concerningthe power of declarations and for a list of the declarationsthat are at the back of this book.

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    8Day 3

    Bringing Life to Dead PlacesLet the weak say I am strong(Joel 3:10)

    God has called us to make dead things alive. In Ezekiel37, the prophet was asked if the dry bones could live. In the

    dialogue and events that followed, God showed Ezekiel andHis people a powerful principle that is vital for us today.

    Gods method of bringing life to these very dry bones wasthrough Ezekiel prophesying life to the whole situation.Ezekiel had to speak to the bones. He had to prophesy tothe wind. As he did, things changed and life came.

    You and I also must continually speak to dead areas in ourlives and circumstances. A main method of God bringingchange to a situation is for one of His children to speak Hispromises over people and circumstances. And God whogives life to the dead and calls those things that are not asthough they are (Romans 4:17). NOTE

    It starts with each of us prophesying life over ourselves. Joelgives us a good place to start in Joel 3:10, Let the weaksay I am strong. Start now a life long habit to call thosethings that are not as though they are in your life.

    Declare: Even though I feel weak at times, I am reallystrong. I am very strong to accomplish Gods purposes in

    my life and to be a strength to others. I prophesy daily overmy circumstances, my future, and over the dry areas of mylife.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    If you dont understand something written in thisbook,just set that aside and continue on your journey. Most

    things will be clarified in the 40 days.

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    9Day 4

    Praying in Faith (Part I)Mary has chosen the best part(Luke 10:42)

    Often people spend much effort and time praying over a cir-cumstance hoping that time and quantity of prayer will bring

    the desired result. The hope is that perhaps faith will in-crease through this effort and thus the prayer will be an-swered.

    This kind of thinking implies that faith is built by the amountof time and energy expended. We need to understand thatfaith does not come through our effort. Faith is a result ofwhat we know. Our measure of faith (Romans 12:3) willincrease in proportion to the revelation we have of Godscharacter, His love, and His promises toward us.

    Often we do not realize the value of spending time withGod when we are not praying for needs. The reason weworship, quietly wait in His presence, and search the scrip-ture is mainly to build a relationship and to learn about thecharacter, power, and love of God. Our intimacy and rela-tionship with Him will have a direct correlation to our level offaith; not because it earns us more authority, but because itgives something for our faith to stand on.

    Declare: My trust and faith in God grows in proportion tohow much I know His character, goodness, and trustworthi-

    ness. I therefore spend much time in His presence develop-ing intimacy with Him.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Never become satisfied with a mere theology of Godspresence in your private life or church life. Pursue His

    manifested presence!

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    10Day #5

    Praying in Faith (Part 2)Prayer . . . avails much (James 5:16)

    As we battle spiritual forces, it is important to distinguishbetween the burden of the Lord and the weight of unbelief.

    We must take inventory of our emotions as we pray. Is aspirit of fear, anxiety, or hopelessness present? Do we feelunder the circumstance that we are praying about? Arewe consistently begging for Gods help? If so, the heavinesswe are feeling is probably not about the circumstance weare facing, but from our own beliefs about God and life.

    These emotions are not going to go away just by prayinglonger, fasting, or praying harder. We also cannot pretendthese emotions are not there. We need to confront themand rebuke spirits of unbelief, fear, and hopelessness. Wecan start this by repenting of wrong core beliefs that hinderconfidence in the power of our prayers. Then we must turnour eyes to Gods faithfulness and worship Jesus until weget a revelation of His goodness and love toward us. Thebattle is first in us and then in our circumstances.

    Declare: Fear and doubt are my main enemies. I am not avictim to these emotions. I replace the lies fueling them withthe promises of God. I trust in the goodness of God.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    11Day 6

    Dealing with UncertaintyDo not be anxious about anything (Phil 4:6)

    2 Peter 1:4 says Gods great promises empower us toparticipate in the divine nature and escape the corruption

    that is in the world through lust. What a statement aboutthe power of promises!

    Here are five promises to get into your spirit to blast awayuncertainty about the future:

    I Can - Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all thingsthrough Christ who strengthens me. Whatever isneeded from me, I can do it.

    There is a Way- I Corinthians 10:13 reveals there is away for every person (whether to get out of a toughtime or to get into Gods purpose).

    Ive Prayed - James 5:16,17 tells us that our prayersare powerful and effective. Things will be different be-cause we pray.

    God Will Finish What He Has Started - Philippians1:6 tells us to be confident of Gods finishing power.

    It Will Be OK - Romans 8:28 says that all things willwork for good in my life as I focus on two things: 1)Gods call for me, and 2) loving Jesus Christ first in mylife.

    Declare: Gods exceedingly great and precious promiseshelp me to wage war in my mind against lies about the fu-ture. I therefore cannot be defeated in Jesus name. I ammore than a conqueror.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    12Day 7

    Cut Off From Grace. . . miracles . . . by the hearing of faith? (Gal 3:5)

    Does God supply His Spirit and work miracles among youby the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? (Gala-

    tians 3:5). This is probably the second most important ques-tion in the Bible. [Only Who do you say I (Jesus) am?would be more important.] The Apostle Paul asks this pene-trating question in the book of Galatians, which is a mustread and must study for the advancing saint. He was re-buking those in Galatia for returning to a performance-based religion instead of keeping a faith based relation-ship. It is a strong book with strong words such as, Youwho seek to be justified by the law have been cut off fromgrace (Galatians 5:4).

    Grace is the empowerment to do Gods will. Most peopleprobably think that persistence in sin leads to a cutting offof graces flow; but, in reality, we are cut off from Godspower when we believe that God is more concerned withour behavior than He is with our beliefs.

    Heres a truth that will keep us in grace: What is believedabout something is more important than what is done aboutit. Good works are important, but they primarily result froma proper belief system in our lives.

    Declare: I reject a works-based Christianity. I declare I havefaith to receive all of Gods blessings and power to changemy life and the world. I now receive a new measure of gracethrough faith.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    13Day 8

    Rose Colored Glasses. . through . . . Scriptures . . . might have hope (Ro 15:4)

    Sometimes optimistic people are accused of seeinglife through rose colored glasses. Their vision supposedly

    is affected by an unrealistic perspective that blinds them tolifes negatives and accentuates only the positives.

    All Christians have predispositions that influence howthe Bible is interpreted, and thus how life is viewed. Theseunconscious inclinations are often influenced by the tradi-tions of men which limit positive expectancy for the future(see Mark 7:13).

    Romans 15:4 tells us that hope results from proper Bi-ble learning. Later in verse 13 we are told that joy, peace,and abounding hope come from believing. There should be

    a corresponding increase of hope in our lives that is propor-tional to the amount of the Bible we consume.

    Unfortunately, many church teachings limit hope. Forexample, most end times teachings decrease positive ex-pectation for lives, families, cities, and the nations of theworld. As a result, many dont live with hope and faith be-cause of a predisposition that believes the world is gettingworse (and not better). This hopelessness indicates we needan alteration in our interpretation of Scripture. Truly, hopegrows with each encounter with Gods Word and with theGod of hope.

    Declare: I see the Bible and life through blood coloredglasses (seeing through the finished work of the cross). Itherefore abound in hope for my life and for every-one con-nected to me. Gods promises are true. My prayers arepowerful and effective. My hope helps release Gods king-dom in our midst.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD___ NF

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    14Day 9

    Who Do You Think You Are! (Part 1). . . but your name shall be called Abraham (Gen. 17:5)

    Abram received a promise that his descendents wouldbe as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand of the

    seashore. The problem was that he was very old, and hiswife was past childbearing years and had been barren all ofher life. The prophetic word concerning his innumerable de-scendents was laughable to the landlocked mind.

    Well, after more than two decades of no manifestationof the promise, it seemed even more impossible. Although

    Abrams faith grew, there was still no baby for Sarah andhim.

    Finally, at 100 years old, they had their promised son,Isaac (which means laughter). What made the difference?

    The key change was this: Abrams name was changed toAbraham (which means father of a multitude). As Abramcalled himself by the promises of God, he was strength-ened in faith and saw the promise come to pass. (See Ro-mans 4 for insight on this process.)

    So who do you think you are? Is your identity shapedby your past or by the promises of God? Your answer willlargely determine whether Gods seemingly laughable prom-ises over your life will come to pass.

    Declare: I am who God says I am. I can do what He says Ican do. I will see His promises come to pass in me as Ispeak His promises over my life.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    We wont have it just because we say it, but saying it is abig part of having it.

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    15Day 10

    Who Do You Think You Are! (Part 2)Calling those things that are not, as though they were

    (Romans 4:17)

    Here is a major life question: Does our experience cre-

    ate our identity, or does our identity create our experience?The answer is . . . (drum roll please) . . . our identity createsour experience. Remember, those who think they can, andthose who think they cant, are both right (consider thespies in Numbers 13 and 14). What we believe about our-selves will either bind us or launch us.

    When it comes to who we think we are, God is callingus to believe His Word instead of negative experience. Hesays Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God . . . (Romans 6:11), and Let the weak say I am strong (Joel

    3:10). Abraham did not consider his own body, alreadydead . . . (Romans 4:19).

    Satan, on the other hand, wants us to focus on ourfailures and lack. A battle rages in our souls concerningwhat to believe about ourselves. Do we call ourselves byour negative experience or by Gods promise. Proverbs 23:7declares As (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he. Lets thinkGods thoughts about us, and not anything else.

    Declare: I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have

    passed away. All things are new. I am strong in Christ. I amwho the Bible says I am.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

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    16Day 11

    Non-Negotiable ConvictionsDaniel . . . three times a day . . . prayed . . . as was his

    custom since his early days (Dan 6:10)

    Daniel was a man of conviction. Even the threat of the

    lions den did not move him away from his godly habits. Hebuilt his life around life-producing priorities. In contrast, theprophet Malachi rebuked the people of his day for givingtheir leftovers to the Lord (see Malachi chapter one). Un-like Daniel, they began to view God as a burden rather thana delight.

    Two things cause convictions that burn in our heartswhich become non-negotiable: 1) loving Gods presence,and 2) a strong vision for the future. Without these, we willonly give God our leftovers.

    Here are areas for your convictions to develop in: timewith God and His Word, fellowship and worship, serving inministry, financial giving, speaking Gods promises, prioritiz-ing our family, having strong accountability relationships,and putting ourselves in places where Gods power cantouch our lives and the lives of others.

    Like Daniel, do you have spiritual non-negotiable con-victions? Or are you fighting the leftover battle as thepeople in Malachis day? Today is the first day of the rest ofyour life. Build your schedule around Gods priorities likenever before. You wont be sorry.

    Declare: I give God the first portion of my life and He takescare of all my needs. I am a person of conviction. I have do-minion over my life and my time. I burn with a personal vi-sion that leads me to sacrifice for God and His presence.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    17Day 12

    Do Not Say . . .Do not say I am only a youth (Jeremiah 1:7)

    Has anyone ever told you, Dont say that? Probably.Weve all been guilty of speaking something we shouldnt

    have. Well, Jeremiah experienced someone calling him onwhat he said. That someone happened to be God. He chal-lenged Jeremiahs self-restricting statement, I am only ayouth.

    God had already told him, Before you were born . . . Iordained you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah howeverfocused on his apparent limitations rather than on the wordof the Lord. He uttered an I cant do that proclamationthat many in the church today would have applauded astrue humility. God said though, Do not say that.

    Remember, those who say I can and those who sayI cant are both right. Now is the time for us to take an-other look at what we speak, especially when we declarewhat we think we cannot do. Our words are either a rudderto direct our lives into Gods prophetic will (James 3:5) or acurse that puts fences around our potential.

    We must believe before we see (not the other wayaround). One of the main truths we are to believe is Philippi-ans 4:13, I can do all things through Christ . . .

    Declare: I renounce every curse I have spoken over my lifethrough declarations of what I thought I could not do. I willnot limit God, but will release Him by joining the ApostlePauls positive declaration in saying I CAN!

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Weightlifters build muscles by pressing againstresistance. Faith muscle is increased the sameway by pressing against old thought patterns.

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    18Day #13

    Where Am IOut of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

    (Matt 12:33)

    If you want to know where you are and where you are going

    in your spiritual life, listen to your own words. Jesus said, Out ofthe abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out ofthe good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and anevil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things (Matthew12:33-34). He then adds that, on the day of judgment, we will givean account for every idle word we speak (verse 35).

    The word treasure in verse 34 could be translated de-posit; thus, whatever has been deposited in our lives will comeout in words. Our words are powerful forces that not only revealour spiritual condition, but also dynamically impact our future andthat of others. This is why we will have to answer for every idle

    (non-life producing) word we speak.Where are we? Our words are our indicator - especiallywords spoken when we are under pressure. Where are we going?Like a ships rudder, our words will direct our destiny (James3:4,5). What then do we need to do? Radically make good depos-its through thinking about and speaking Gods truths. How do weknow if we are ready for the next level in God? Its when ourwords consistently speak faith, hope, and love in the level we arein now.

    Declare: My mouth is a powerful instrument for Gods kingdom.I daily make good deposits into my heart. My words increasinglyreveal a heart full of faith, a heart full of hope, and a heart full oflove.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    If we radically change our words about God and our-selves, we will find a shortcut through the wilderness of

    life.

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    19Day 14

    Kratos PowerThe word of God grew mightily & prevailed(Acts 19:20)

    There are three main Greek words for power in the NewTestament. The first is dunamis - an explosive, dynamite power

    (Acts 1:8). The second is exousia - a power based on authority(John 1:12). Dunamis is the policemans gun, while exousia is thebadge. The third power word is kratos - a societal transformingpower (Acts 19:20 - the word of God grew mightily and pre-vailed). Dunamis and exousia manifest mostly in meetings, inter-cessory prayer, and in personal ministry. Kratos is an inner atti-tude of faith that holds a family, church, region, or nation in in-creasing blessings (the word grew).

    Elijah walked in kratos power when his prayer caused athree-year drought. This happened because he practiced a pow-erful prayer truth: what is believed after prayer is just as important

    as what is believed during prayer. Elijahs kratos faith continuedafter the prayer meeting. Romans 16:20 says, The God of peacewill soon crush Satan under your feet. As we mix Gods wordwith faith, we will experience growing inner peace. This increasingpeace lets us know that the manifestation of Satans crushing isdrawing near. Philippians 4:6,7 also speaks to this. We are com-manded not to worry about anything, but to pray about every-thing with THANKSGIVING. Its this on-going thanksgiving thathelps produce a kratos power - the inner attitude of faith thatholds us in increasing blessing. When we water yesterdaysprayers with thanksgiving today, we build up an Elijah kind ofprayer that avails much.

    Declare: I radically thank God for the prayers I prayed yester-day. I am thus growing in peace andkratos power that helps holdmy life and others in the increasing blessing of God.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    20Day 15

    Never Enough?. . . works . . . or the hearing of faith (Galatians 3:2,5)

    The devil wants us to believe that we are not doingenough to see revival happen. If you do a little more, he

    says, then it will really happen. He wants us to think thatwe are constantly falling short. He tempts us to focus moreon doing than onbelieving.

    There isnt enough unity for revival.

    People arent praying enough.

    You should have fasted one more day.

    You havent gone long enough without sinning in thatarea.

    We must resist the temptation to think that these fruitsof revival are the cause of revival. If we dont, we will believe

    we are not ready or deserving of a continual outpouring.This negative belief can actually be a main blockage to ourrevival experience.

    Again, many say, Breakthrough and revival are justaround the corner. Were close, but . . . Someone mustrespond to this by saying, No! Revival began on the day ofPentecost in Acts 2. Its not about working more for it, butits about believing that Jesus has already done everythingthat we could never do. Hes done enough! Let us by faithrelease the manifestation of revival now!

    Declare: I am walking in personal revival. Its already hereand I have chosen to believe it. I have received this outpour-ing from God by faith, not by works. As I believe, my life ispropelled to prayer, to unity with others, to personal obedi-ence and to sacrifice for kingdom advancement.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    21Day #16

    End Times TheologyThe gospel of the kingdom . . . (Matthew 24:14)

    What do you believe about the end times? Will therebe revival or will the world go to hell in a hand basket be-

    fore Jesus returns? Will the church limp into heaven or willshe have made herself ready and become the bride with-out spot or wrinkle? Our answers are crucial.

    Matthew 24:14 says that the gospel of the kingdomwill be preached in every nation before the end. Scriptur-ally, the kingdom gospel demonstrates power with signsand wonders following. That does not sound like a weakchurch in the last hour.

    One obstacle to having a victorious end time mind-setis that many theologians seem to place most of the Bibles

    positive last days promises in the millennium. End timesbooks reinforce this mind-set; thus, our responsibility andexpectation for kingdom advancement is diminished.

    Consider this question: If a prophecy of judgment isgiven against a certain place, should Christians run to or runfrom that place? Biblical promises and commands wouldsay, Go and be salt. Preserve this place. Your presence willwithhold devastation, save the people and make the differ-ence. Why dont we think this way more? Could it be thatwe believe incorrectly about the end times?

    Declare: The church is triumphant. The end time church willbe a revival church full of power and Christ-likeness.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD___ NF

    Our expectancy largely creates our future.Expectancy is simply another word for faith.

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    22Day 17

    Remember Your BenefitsForget not all His benefits (Psalms 103:2)

    Imagine an employee being ignorant of the benefits inhis compensation package. What would you think if he pays

    for all his medical bills, but has health insurance? He wouldbe either ignorant or foolish. Unfortunately, we as the peo-ple of God, often do this in our spiritual lives.

    The Psalmist says, Bless the Lord, oh my soul, andforget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquities,who heals all your diseases . . . (Psalms 103:2,3). We areinstructed to deliberately remember what is in our salvationpackage. The obvious implication is this: If we dont re-member, we will believe we have to pay for things that havealready been given to us.

    We cant forget what we have never known. SomeChristians are unaware that healing and other benefits arepart of our salvation package. The Greek word sozo istranslated to save in the New Testament; but it alsomeans to heal, to deliver, and to be made whole. It isrefreshing that now there is a growing understanding thathealing and transforming forgiveness are still benefits for theChristian, and are not just occasional sovereign blessings.

    Not forgetting is more than a onetime event. It is alife-long contending for Gods total benefit package formankind. Truly, lets tell our soul to bless God and to radi-cally remember how good He really is.

    Declare: God is continually revealing to me my benefits as aChristian. I contend for these in my soul; and, thus, experi-ence them more and more in my life.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    23Day #18

    Presumptuous FaithAbraham . . . was strengthened in faith (Rom. 4:20)

    There are two common areas where presumptuousfaith occurs. The first is when we make faith decisions pri-

    marily through someone elses revelation (i.e. refusingmedical treatment by faith because of anothers testi-mony). The second can happen when we believe for a veryspecific, personal blessing (i.e. receiving that promotion,marrying so & so, having God providing for or vindicating usin that way, etc.).

    Presumptuous faith is grounded more on our emotionsthan on Gods word. It can be avoided by rememberingthese three important things:

    1. Build hope before claiming something specific

    by faith Hope is a general, abounding optimism concern-ing the future. A positive stronghold of hope decreases thelikelihood that we will believe that God can only meet ourneed in one way.

    2. Strengthen faith by believing for small things Pre-sumptuous people want to express a $1,000,000 faith whenthey have not even used their faith on the $100 level.

    3. Walk with others concerning faith Stay away fromcynics and doubters. Find people who can help discern pre-sumption from real faith. Also, trust God to use spiritual

    mentors in clarifying His will and His voice.

    Declare: I am strengthened in faith daily. My belief systemis built on a solid foundation of hope. I am protected frompresumptuous faith by hope, wisdom, and powerful peoplein my life.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    24Day 19

    Repenting From or Repenting ToRepent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

    (Matthew 4:17)

    A good definition of repentance is to change the

    mind. The prefix re- means again, anew, back or back-ward. Pent is the highest place - as in penthouse. Repen-tance therefore could be defined as going back to thehighest place of thinking.

    Repentance is more than feeling sorry for the wrongthings we have done. It is much more than seeking forgive-ness and purposing to not sin again. It is important to re-pent to something, not just from something. It involveschanging the mind from one course into a higher course.

    We can cry our eyes out and not repent. True repen-

    tance is a decision to take every thought captive to theobedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Its not just a defensivereaction, but it is an offensive plan that moves Gods king-dom from being at hand to becoming our experience.

    The kingdom of heaven is Gods abundant life of salva-tion, peace, power, evangelism, integrity, purity, miracles,strong families, health, prosperity, blessings and more. Weare commanded to pray thy kingdom come, thy will bedone; on earth as it is in heaven. This is Gods highestplace for His people. Our repenting creates an expectationthat these will manifest; and this faith pulls them into ourexperience and those of others. Praise God! Lets take ourrepenting to a new level today.

    Declare: I capture my thoughts and take them to Godshighest place. I repent TO my promised land and not justFROM Egypt. I keep repenting daily by joyfully speakingGods promises over my life.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    25Day #20

    Saints or SinnersPaul . . . to the saints in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1)

    As Christians, are we saints or sinners? The answer iscrucial. If we misdiagnose ourselves and other Christians, it

    will have dire consequences.

    The Bible says that we are saints. Our conversionchanged our identity. Some would say that this is only amatter of words. It is not. What we call ourselves is vital towalking in Gods fullness.

    A main reason Christians continue sinning is becausethey believe that it is their nature to sin. Instead, we are tobelieve we are dead to sin and alive to God who will causeus to make good choices (Romans 6:11-13). As we do, wewill see obedience grow in our lives. Our experience will al-

    ways catch up to what we truly believe.Christian leaders also need to see their flocks as

    saints. If we believe we are leading sinners, then control andfear will dominate our leadership. If the people are seen assaints, then empowerment and positive expectation willreign (which will bring out the best in those being led).

    As always, the true test in this comes when there is afailure. Do we allow the failure to strengthen the negativestronghold of sinnerhood; or do we challenge it and say,There may have been sin, but that is not our true identity?

    Declare: I am a saint. I am prone to doing things right. I seeother Christians as saints also. I will see increased obedi-ence in my life and in the lives of those I influence.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    We must recognize what God has put in us, beforewe will be able to release and expend it.

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    26Day #21

    Something Greater Than CharacterNow hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)

    Romans 5:3-4 gives a tremendous road map for break-through. We also glory in our tribulations, knowing that

    tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, char-acter; and character, hope. Character would seem as a fi-nal goal for the Christian, but there is something beyondcharacter that must be possessed; its hope.

    Hope is the confident expectation of good coming. It isan overall optimistic attitude about the future based on thegoodness and promises of God. Hope joins faith and loveas the big three of Christianity (I Corinthians 13:13). Ro-mans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all

    joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by

    the power of the Holy Spirit. Abounding hope is our goal. Biblical hope is radical optimism for us, others, our

    family, the church, our communities, and beyond. This posi-tive expectation releases Gods promises in a way thatcharacter never could (for kingdom life does not manifestbecause of good works but by our faith). Godly charactercannot be bypassed, but there is something more that istruly needed (hope) to impact the world in exponential ways.

    Declare: My future is as bright as the promises of God.I therefore am a person of abounding hope. I expect Gods

    goodness to increase daily in my life and surroundings.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    When we are fearful, we have too much faithin Satan and not enough in God. Fear isconfidence in something bad happening.

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    27Day #22

    The Crucial MomentTaking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)

    What are the most important moments in the life of agrowing Christian? Is it a powerful God encounter? Is it a

    fresh dedication to the purposes of God? Is it when we hearwhat the spirit is saying to the church?

    While these are important, I propose that there is an-other God moment that will have a greater effect on ourdestiny than these. What is it? Its when we fail or have ex-periences that do not line up with the promises of God.

    In that moment, we have a choice. Do we keep ouridentity (and Gods identity) in His promises, or do we useexperience to empower a negative identity for us and forGod? We must remember that negative strongholds are

    created and strengthened when we put our experiencesabove Gods Word.

    When failure happens, we must think like this: I mayhave sinned, but I am not a sinner. I may have had an acci-dent, but I have a covenant of protection. I may be in lack,but I am a prosperous person. Healing may not have mani-fested, but I am healed and bring healing to others. I dontdeny my experience, I just dont create my identify from it. Imay need help from others concerning the failure, but I re-sist the temptation to make negative conclusions from it.,

    Those who passively rely on experience to identify whothey are (and who God is) will greatly limit God in their lives.

    However, those who seize these crucial moments by takingthoughts captive will powerfully break down restrictivestrongholds and enter into their promised land.

    Declare: I rejoice in apparent times of failure. These are mycrucial moments in life. I am who the Bible says I am.

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    29Day #24

    Walking Off of a Two Story Spiritual RoofMeditate on . . . the law day and night(Joshua 1:8)

    Can you imagine someone walking off a two-storyroof, breaking his leg and then blaming God for what hap-

    pened? That would be ridiculous. Well, that is in essencewhat some do by ignoring the laws of the spirit.

    A law is a scientific fact or phenomenon that is un-changed under given conditions (Encarta World EnglishDictionary). The law of gravity is an example of this. It needsto be understood and allowed to control every day deci-sions or there could be serious consequences!

    It is also foolish to not live by spiritual laws which arejust as real and also must be grasped and applied. Scripturespeaks of these laws, or spiritual principles, that ultimately

    control the natural dimension that we live in. It is importantthat we understand that there are truths to be esteemed forsafe and successful living (whether it is the law of honor,honesty, sexual purity, agreement, sowing and reaping, tith-ing, faith, or speaking life). Only a fool would think that ourchoices, thoughts, and words have no consequences.

    So, are you walking off a two-story roof in the spiritrealm, thinking you can defy the laws of the spirit? It wontwork. Youll get hurt. Cry out now for the heavenly wisdomto know what is real and true. You wont be sorry. Youll beblessed.

    Declare: I love Gods laws. They are revealed to me daily.Through Jesus I walk in the laws of God.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    We often think we need to hold on to feelings of guiltto keep ourselves in check, rather than embrace

    a new identity that will produce new fruit.

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    30Day #25

    Walking Off a Two Story Spiritual Roof (Part 2)Meditate on . . . the law day and night(Josh 1:8)

    The law of gravity can either work for us or against us.

    Stepping off a cliff will cause pain, but water descending ata dam will produce power. One law makes both happen.

    Gravity can help us or hurt us.

    The laws of the spirit also work for us or against us.Wisdom is using them for powerful results. Foolishness isviolating these laws. Just as lifes natural laws are no re-specter of person, neither are the laws of the spirit realm.God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Galatians6:7). Hosea said, My people are destroyed for lack ofknowledge (4:6). Truly, there is destruction when we donthave the wisdom of Gods laws guiding our lives.

    God has not destined us to destruction, but ordainedus to release beneficial power through spiritual laws such asunity, forgiveness, giving first fruits to God, speaking life,and walking in thanksgiving. (Wisdom) cries out . . . Who-ever is simple turn in here (Proverbs 9:3,4). Wisdom is this:understanding and walking in the laws of the spirit.

    Declare: Like Solomon in II Chronicles 1, I cry out for thespirit of wisdom. I am now receiving revelation of the laws ofthe spirit that dramatically influence life. I release power all

    around me as I allow these laws to work for me.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    We dont wait for God to do something; but we,through wisdom (the laws of the spirit), increase

    and grow what we have been given.

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    31Day #26

    Valuing JoyA merry heart does good like a medicine (Prov. 17:22)

    Take three times a day for ten days and you will getbetter. When a doctor gives these instructions, most peo-

    ple are going to obey. Why? They simply believe that it willwork.

    Our Great Physician has given us a prescription forhealth and strength. It is walking in joy. Dr. God says, Amerry heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22) and the joyof the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Indeed theBible teaches that joy is essential to a victorious life.

    A main aspect of joy is laughter. Studies have proventhe benefits of laughter. Cancer patients have been healedthrough a prescription of watching funny movies. Cells that

    destroy tumors and viruses increase through hearty laugh-ter. Energy-causing endorphins are released into our bodyssystem through hilarity.

    Samson had a secret to his strength (Judges 13-16).The Philistines sought to discover this mystery. Like Sam-son, we too have been given a secret for strength. Its joy.Lets not forget it. It is the wise person who finds ways toincrease the powerful prescriptions of joy and laughter.

    Declare: I thank You, Father, that You are now giving methe keys to increase the good medicine in my life. By YourHoly Spirit I will purpose to take this powerful prescriptionevery day so I can walk in health and strength for the greatdays of harvest ahead. Amen.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    We must value joy as a fruit of the Spirit andmake it as much of a discipline and goal in

    our lives as other fruits.

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    32Day #27

    What About JobWhat I feared has happened to me (Job 3:25)

    Does Jobs experience (read Job 1 & 2) teach us thatGod will send death, sickness, lack, and devastation into

    our lives to test our love for Him? Does He allow it and letthe devil be His instrument of trials and testing? Or is thereanother answer to this question about Christian suffering?Our answer will greatly affect the level of victory that wehave in life.

    Heres what this writer believes. Job said, What Igreatly feared has come upon me (Job 3:25). His fear gaveSatan a legal access to kill, steal, and destroy from him.God allowed this attack only in the sense that He estab-lished spiritual laws (like the law of fear and the law of faith)

    that bring a result into our lives. Jobs situation is similar towhen Jesus told Peter, Satan has asked for you, to sift youas wheat . . . (Luke 22:31). Satans eventual sifting of Peterresulted from a door of pride that Peter had opened. It wasnot a random attack, but manifested because of a violationof a spiritual law.

    But, you might say, We cannot take out the mysteryof God. His ways are beyond human understanding. In re-sponse to this, I ask, What then about Gods promises?

    Are there any specific promises that we can truly believe(beyond eternal life and that all things work together for

    good)? Are His promises always secondary to His sover-eignty? If we believe that, then it will be difficult to pray infaith again.

    Declare: I live under a supernatural protection. I am shut-ting doors in my life to the enemy. I am opening doors forthe blessing and power of God to flow in me and throughme.

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    33Day #28

    What About Job (Part 2)All that he (Job) has is in your (Satans) power(Job 1:12)

    A traditional view concerning Job is this: God allowedSatan to ravage his life as a test of Jobs character and love

    for God. This may sound plausible to some, but it is a teach-ing that leads to hopelessness and confusion about when weare to resist the devil.

    Weve already introduced Job 3:25 as the open doorfor Jobs troubles - What I have greatly feared has come onme. This fear is manifested in Job 1:4,5 where a worriedand stressed out Job is continually offering sacrifices for hischildren. He was afraid that something bad was going tohappen to them.

    Look at verse twelve of chapter one. Notice what God

    said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power. Thiswas not a handing over of Job to Satan, but a declaration ofwhat was already true - because of Jobs open door of fear.God did not put Job in Satans hands. Jobs fear put him inthe hands of the enemy. This was not a handing over of Jobto Satan, but a declaration of what was already true - be-cause of Jobs open door of fear. God did not put Job in Sa-tans hands. Jobs fear put him in the hands of the enemy.

    Is this difficult to accept? Maybe, but the alternativeview is even more implausible saying that God will use thedevil to kill our family, destroy our property, and afflict ourbody. Again, if we accept this second view, then we are des-tined to never be able to pray in faith for specific areas of ourlives, nor can we ever really be confident of Gods will in ourlives.

    Declare: God is good and Satan is bad. Jesus came to de-stroy the works of the devil, not partner with him to accom-plish Gods purposes.

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    34Day #29

    What About Job (Part 3)The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away(Job 1:21)

    What are we to infer from the above statement byJob? Does this mean that God can, and sometimes will,

    take away our family, our health, our finances, and ourpossessions as part of His plan for our lives?

    We know God inspired all of scripture, but not everyquote in the Bible are Gods thoughts. For instance, the bookof Ecclesiastes was written by a backslidden Solomon. Godinspired this entire book to be in the Bible, but we cannot ac-cept every conclusion from Solomon in Ecclesiastes asGods thoughts because this writing is primarily an illustra-tion of the cynicism and purposelessness that results fromrejecting God.

    Jobs attitude of loving and blessing God during the

    toughest of times is powerful and is an example for us. Weshould not however allow Jobs experience and conclusionsto create our beliefs concerning the reason for negativethings in life. If we accept a theology that the Lord gives andthe Lord takes away in the areas of our health, protection,and loved ones; then there can be little faith in prayer. Thiswould not be consistent with the message of the New Cove-nant.

    Declare: Jesus has come to give me a more abundant life.The enemy is a thief seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John

    10:10). I resist him in Jesus name.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Our conclusions about Job, or Pauls thorn in theflesh, and other such areas will have much to dowith our level of victory and influence for Christ.

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    35Day #30

    Judging The Faith of OthersFaith working through love (Galatians 5:6)

    It is wise to use great caution when analyzing the faithof others. Here are three reasons why:

    1.We dont know how far theyve come -We all startat different places. Some have inherited a place ofgreat blessing by the faith of others. Others havepractically started at square one in their faith walk. InGods eyes, someone could have great faith, butseem weaker than many others (Man looks at theoutward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart -I Samuel 16:7).

    2. Corporate faith is more important than personalfaith - Yes, individuals must take personal responsi-

    bility for their lives, but the local and regional churchneeds to be primarily concerned with possessing theunity of the faith (Eph. 4:12), which will increase thelevel of blessing and protection in its area of influ-ence.

    3. Criticism and condemnation will actually de-crease personal and corporate faith - Galatians 5:6calls us to have faith working through love. We needto look for ways to love and encourage people wherethey are at instead of being negative against seem-ing unbelief. Many people have become self-

    appointed faith police officers and have unwittinglycaused hurt to others. Lets not be one of them.

    Declare: The spirit of criticism is far from me. I am an en-courager of the faith of others. I have great wisdom to knowwhat to say (and what not to say) to those who are in a faithbattle.

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    36Day #31

    Faith and MedicineYou will sustain him on his sick bed(Ps 41:3)

    We have a big covenant with God (Hebrews 8:6). Thisagreement with Him includes wonderful provision and prom-

    ise for abundant health. Physical vitality is a major part of ourbenefit package (Psalms 103:2,3). Our faith needs to pressin and receive what Jesus took stripes for (Isaiah 53:3-4).

    With this in mind, should a person of faith take anymedication? Is it permissible to consult doctors? Can wetrust God to work through the medical profession or is thisevidence of unbelief and putting our faith in man?

    There are two extremes to avoid in this. Thefirst is the reliance on man instead of God. Asa did this andwas condemned (see 2 Chronicles 16:12). The other ex-treme is ignoring the fact that medicine (take a little wine for

    your stomachs sake - I Timothy 5:23) and doctors (i.e.Luke) are present in Scripture.

    So what should we do? As an overcomingChristian, we should keep seeking to daily strengthen ourfaith. Like Abraham, we believe that next month and nextyear we will be able to receive more of Gods promises inour lives. In the meantime, it can be wisdom (as part of ourplan to strengthen our faith) to take medications and tobenefit from the expertise of doctors. They will help us dealwith symptoms in our physical bodies, as we keep pursuingbeing fully convinced (Romans 4:21) about our provision ofabundant health for our lives.

    Declare: I have wisdom concerning the use of medicationsand doctors. I understand that God does miraculous heal-ings but also heals through doctors.

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    37Day #32

    Wrestling for WhatI will not let you go (Genesis 32:26)

    Jacob wrestled with the angel and made a tenaciousdeclaration, I will not let you go until you bless me. This

    bulldog boldness got Gods attention.How would God choose to bless this person who

    would not take no for an answer? Money? A long life? A newcamel? Victory over his enemies? A resolving of a difficultmatter? No, his blessing was a revelation of his real name,his true identity. His name would no longer be Jacob, but itwould be Israel (Prince With God). His blessing was this: hewould receive a new sense of who he really was, whichwould produce a change in his thoughts and vocabularyabout himself. This, in turn, would cause a change in his ac-tions and destiny.

    The implications of this are revolutionary! One of thegreatest things we can get from God is revelation of who wereally are. Once we call ourselves what God calls us, we willaccelerate down the road of transformation.

    We must move past just wanting God to fix our prob-lems or to just have His blessing and anointing. We must geta hold of Him in our spirit and say, I am not going to let Yougo until You bless me with a true understanding of who Ireally am in You. Once this happens, everything changes.

    Declare: I am a seeker of God. I go beyond simplywanting a situation changed. I tenaciously seek Him and re-ceive His blessing of transformed thoughts about my identityin Him.

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    Stop thinking of Christianity as a suppression of desire.We do not repress. We pursue a new identity by faith.

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    38Day #33

    Dont Withdraw Your Faith. . . he will have whatever he says (Mark 11:23)

    Here is a powerful truth for the victorious Christian:What we believe after we pray is just as important as what

    we believe when we pray. This principle is also true in minis-try (what we believe after we minister is just as important aswhat we believe when we minister).

    It is important to not withdraw faith after prayer or min-istry. The devil wants us to curse the good seeds that havebeen sown by tempting us to speak unbelief concerningwhat has just been done. Certainly we can find areas wherewe can improve, but we must avoid negative, concludingconclusions that can undo much of the good that happened.

    Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark 11. The next morn-ing they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. This tells

    us two things. First, our influence in prayer and ministstartsin the unseen (in the roots); thus, outward results (whethercircumstances or feelings) should not be used to measuresuccess or failure. Secondly, Jesus words cursed the figtree. We need to know that our words are powerful, and thatthey can bless or curse spiritual seeds and trees aroundus.

    So what do we say after we pray or after we minister?The wise believer says, I refuse to withdraw my faith. Goddid great things. His word will not return void (see Isaiah55:11).

    Declare: I radically thank God after I pray or minister. I re-fuse to curse through unbelieving declarations what hasbeen done. I maintain and speak my faith; thus I see agreater harvest.

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    Both God and Satan are after our words.

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    39Day #34

    Are We There YetI press toward the goal(Phil 3:14)

    Are we there yet? Every parent has probably heardthis question innumerable times. The usual answer is, Not

    yet, but we are getting closer.We know that we are legally there in possessing all

    of Gods promises, but we also know that we are not experi-entially there in many areas of what is legally ours. This isan important distinction to understand.

    The maturing person of faith can admit, I am notthere yet. I am experiencing such things as lack, sickness,confusion, failure, unsaved children, marital problems, andother curses because my life and faith have not developed tothe place they will. Any other attitude creates hopelessnessbecause we would believe we are victims and have no

    power concerning our future.So lets keep moving forward in our faith. We person-

    ally may not completely get there in experiencing Godspromises, but we should advance as far as we can so thatour descendents (both spiritual and physical) can start at abetter place than we did.

    Declare: I will increasingly experience what is already legallymine. Lack is decreasing as my faith increases, and my faithis growing daily.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Like the men of faith of old, we will not see allthe promises manifest in our lifetime, but we willmake a difference for those who come after us.

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    40Day #35

    Escaping Into GodIn His presence is fullness of joy(Psalms 16:11)

    Our God is a refuge. How wonderful it is to regularlygo into the secret place of His presence! We are transformed

    as we spend time with Him through worship, prayer,anointed ministry, and/or seeking Him with others.

    Romans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fillyou with all joy and peace in believing. Even though we canbe strongly touched in a meeting, we need to be more con-cerned with this question: what happens in us when themeeting ends or the music stops?

    We need to escape into God and not simply escapefrom ourselves. Its possible to use the things of God as adiversion from our own need for personal healing. We mayhope that the Spirit will do something, but without changing

    what we believe, it will only be short term. We cannot have achange in behavior without a change in the way we think.

    Whats the solution? Do we stop spending time in Hispresence? Of course not, but we need to expect a growinghope for our lives as a fruit of our times with Him. GodsSpirit will loosen our spiritual soil so that the roots of hope-lessness and unworthiness can be pulled out. Then we aretruly escaping into God.

    Declare: I love Gods presence. He is my refuge andstrength. Personal hope and joy are powerful fruits thatcome from my hiding place times with God.

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    Most people spend their life attempting toavoid pain, rather than attempting to live.

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    41Day #36

    The Goal: Being Fully ConvincedAnd being fully convinced. . . (Romans 4:21)

    Abraham is the Bibles example of how to walk byfaith. Even though he lived under the Old Covenant, he had

    a New Covenant revelation in regard to receiving from God.The victorious Christian must know what Abraham knew.

    The Bible refers to different levels of faith. Jesusspoke of no faith, little faith, much faith, and great faith. Ro-mans chapter four says that Abraham was strengthened infaith (vs. 20) and became fully convinced that what He hadpromised, He was able to perform (vs. 21). Just as a weightlifter strengthens his muscles by pressing against resistance,the Christian can strengthen his faith through declaringGods Word and standing against negative looking circum-stances. We can all move from no faith to the great faith of

    being fully convinced concerning Gods promises.Being fully convinced is our goal. It is important to

    know where we are going. As with Abraham, we must em-brace the process that leads to this full assurance. Godspromises are not automatically possessed simply becausewe are a Christian. They are received by a convinced faith.

    Declare: Like Abraham did, I am moving forward in my faith.I am strengthened today as I declare truth even in the face ofseemingly dead circumstances. I am becoming fully con-vinced.

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    John 3:3 Unless you are born again, you cannot seethe kingdom. We must exert our faith not only to

    receive Him as Savior, but to see the kingdom at hand.

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    42Day #37

    Cause of DisastersI will heal their land(2 Chronicles 7:14)

    Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, tornadoes,tsunamis, and other disasters happen around the earth. Are

    these random happenings that can occur anywhere and atany time? Are they Gods judgments? Can we do anythingto prevent them?

    A disaster is an event that causes serious loss, de-struction, hardship, unhappiness, or death. They did not ex-ist on earth until Adams rebellion - which set in motionearths fury through natural disasters. There are no disastersin heaven right now. They are a curse and not a blessing.

    Scripture shows that calamities have spiritual roots.In 2 Samuel 21 Israel was experiencing a prolonged drought.King David sought God and discovered the reason was his

    predecessors mistreatment of a certain people group. Hecorrected the problem and the drought ended. This passageand many others clearly show that blessing and protectionare influenced greatly by sin, righteousness, faith, and fear.

    Are disasters then judgments by an angry God? HasHe finally had enough and then punishes people? No. Abetter understanding comes through this thought: protectionhas been removed through continual violation of spirituallaws. God did not choose judgment, but we chose to live lifeapart from where He and His protection are. Remember,Gods spiritual laws will work for us or against us.

    Gods heart is not judgment (see Jonah), but He hasallowed us to make our own choices that will influence thepresence or absence of natural disasters.

    Declare: Thank You God that others and I are humblingourselves, standing in the righteousness He has given us,and praying. Thank You that You are forgiving our sin andhealing our land.

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    43Day #38

    Influencing the Economy, Weather and PublicHealth If My People (2 Chronicles 7:14)

    Can believers positively affect climatic weather pat-terns, the economy, and the physical health of a nation? One

    well-known Bible verse gives us a clue. If My people whoare called by My name will humble themselves and pray andseek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I willhear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2Chronicles 7:14).

    What does this healing consist of? If we look at versethirteen of the same chapter, we see three areas of life to behealed. God said, When I shut up heaven and there is norain (weather problems), or command the locusts to devourthe land (economic difficulties) or send pestilence (plaguesand health problems) . . . After he listed these three prob-

    lems, He says, If My people . . .

    These negative circumstances are sent by God onlyin the sense that He has set up spiritual laws that, if fol-lowed, will bring blessing (and, if violated, will bring difficul-ties). He does not choose for these to happen, but mandoes by ignoring His principles. The amazing thing to under-stand though is that Gods people have the ability to impactthree vital areas of life: climate, economy, and health. Letspress into 2 Chronicles 7:14 and help reestablish Gods pro-tection in every area where we have influence.

    Declare: I am humbling myself, praying, seeking Gods face,and embracing Gods ways. I am powerfully impacting myfuture and my nations future.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    44Day #39

    Attracting Favor or Rejection To Our LivesAs he thinks in his heart, so is he(Proverbs 23:7)

    Do our beliefs make a difference in how others treatus? Are strife and rejection simply bad luck while favor and

    acceptance are good luck? The Bible indicates that there arespiritual laws that influence these matters. As we have said,wisdom teaches us to make these laws work for us and forthe kingdom of God.

    Luke 6:37-38 states the law of reciprocity. Judge notand you will not be judged. Condemn not and you will not becondemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it willbe given to you . . . For with the same measure that you use,it will be measured back to you. Our inner attitudes and ouroutward actions cause a giving that brings an experienceback to us (in proportion to the amount we have given).

    We love others to the degree we love ourselves, thusour attitude toward ourselves becomes the basis for attitudeswe give to other people. This, in turn, releases a harvest (anexperience) in accordance with the measure that has beengiven.

    Complicated? No. As (a man) thinks in his heart, sois he (Proverbs 23:7). If a man thinks he is rejected, he isrejected. If a man thinks he is favored, he is favored. Thekey is to think about ourselves as God thinks about us.

    Declare: God is good to me. I expect and receive His good-ness. I give goodness to others in actions and attitudes. Itherefore increasingly receive goodness and favor back inmy relationships.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

    Lasting favor comes not from what we do,but from who we believe we are.

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    45Day #40

    Attracting Favor or Rejection To Our Lives (Part 2)As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)

    Our beliefs make the difference in how others treatus. Indeed, strife and rejection are not simply bad luck, nor is

    favor and acceptance the result from good luck.The Apostle Paul rebuked the Galatians by correcting

    a major doctrinal heresy that was blocking grace from theirlives. They had moved from faith based Christianity to a per-formance based religion. One result of this emphasis on lawwas biting and devouring of one another (Galatians 5:15).Their wrong beliefs about who they were in God actually at-tracted rejection and strife. They were cut off from grace(5:4), which blocked favor in relationships.

    Those who have a works doctrine see themselvesas rejected by God. This creates a performance environment

    where rejection and strife flourish. If we dont believe wehave favor with God, how can we believe we could have fa-vor with others? An unconscious thinking pattern will developthat believes mistreatment is deserved; thus, strife and rejec-tion (biting and devouring) result.

    On the contrary, those who believe they are radicallyfavored (through Jesus) will have a positive expectancy ofseeing His goodness in all aspects of life including rela-tionships. This belief will profoundly impact the increase offuture favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52).

    Declare: God supplies His Spirit and works miracles amongus by the hearing of faith and not by the works of the law(Galatians 3:5). I believe the report of Gods favor over mylife. As Jesus did, I increase greatly in favor with both Godand man.

    Checklist to Ignite Faith:___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

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    46AppendixOne - Declarations

    A note on these declarations: We wont have some-

    thing just because we say something, but saying some-

    thing is necessary to having it. Ifat the beginning of the

    40 days, you dont understand fully why these three setsof declarations are important; then speak them by faith

    anyway. Some of the first devotionals will give clarity as

    to theirimportance.

    Declarations #1 The following ten basic declarations arefoundational to the building of your faith. They will increaseexpectancy of Gods goodness; and will thus increase themanifestation of that goodness in your life. Say these (andthe other declarations lists) every day for a month and seewhat happens to your life. (Romans 4:17; Romans 10:9,10)

    1. My prayers are powerful and effective (2 Corinthians5:21; James 5:16b).

    2. God richly supplies all my needs (Philippians 4:19).

    3. I am dead to sin and have a victorious DNA in me(Romans 6:11; Romans 5:17).

    4. I walk in ever-increasing health (Isaiah 53:3-5; Psalms103:1-5).

    5. I live under a supernatural protection (Psalm 91, He-brews 8:6).

    6. I prosper in all my relationships (Luke 2:52).

    7. I consistently bring God encounters to other people(Mark 16:17,18; Acts 3:6).

    8. In Jesus, I am 100% loved and worthy to experienceall of Gods blessings (Colossians 1:12-15).

    9. Each of my family members is wonderfully blessedand radically loves Jesus (Acts 16:30.31).

    10. I uproariously laugh when I hear a lie from the devil(Psalms 2:2-4).

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    47Declarations #2 Remember this: Faith is the evidenceof things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Gods promises, not ourcircumstances, are our evidence for what is really true. Wedont deny negative facts in our lives, but we choose to focuson the higher reality of Gods truth. Faith indeed comes byhearing (Romans 10:17); therefore, we choose to speak

    these powerful truths to build our own faith (believing Ro-mans 12:2 that our experience will catch up to our beliefs).

    1. I set the course of my life with my words (James 3:2-5; Proverbs 18:21).

    2. God is on my side; therefore, I declare that I cannotbe defeated (Romans 8:37; Psalms 91; Philippians4:13).

    3. I am the head, not the tail. I have insight. I have wis-dom. I have ideas and divine strategies. I haveauthority (Deuteronomy 8:18; 28:13; James 1:5-8;Luke 10:19).

    4. My family and those connected to us are protectedfrom disasters, disease, divorce, adultery, poverty,false accusation, foolish decisions and all accidents(Psalm 91).

    5. As Abraham did, I speak Gods promises over my lifeso that my faith is strengthened to possess all ofGods promises (Romans 4:17-23).

    6. I have a sound mind. I think the right thoughts, saythe right words, and make the right decisions in everysituation I face (2 Timothy 1:7).

    7. I expect to have powerful, divine appointments todayto heal the sick, raise the dead, prophesy life, leadpeople to Christ, bring deliverance, release signs andwonders, and bless every place I go (the book of

    Acts).

    8. I expect that today will be the best day of my life spiri-tually, emotionally, relationally, and financially in Je-sus name (Romans 15:13).

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    48Declarations #3 One of the main methods Jesus andthe apostles used (in the gospels and Acts) was to SPEAKTO things. You will notice that they did not ask God to healpeople, cast out demons, or raise the dead; but they spoketo bodies, demons, the wind, etc. Jesus encourages us tospeak to mountains in Mark 11:23. This set of declarations

    specifically focuses on our speaking to the various aspectsin our lives.

    1. My angels are carrying out the Word of God on mybehalf (Psalm 103:20).

    2. All attacks that were headed my way are divertedright now through angelic protection in Jesus name(Psalm 91).

    3. Just as Jesus spoke to the wind, I say, Peace be stillto my mind, emotions, body and family (Mark 4:39).

    4. I speak to every mountain of discouragement, stress,depression and lack, and say, Be cast it into the seain Jesus name (Mark 11:22-24).

    5. I say to this day, You are blessed. And I declare that Iserve a mighty God, who today will do exceedinglyand abundantly beyond all that I can ask or think(Ephesians 3:20). I say you are a good God, and Ieagerly anticipate your goodness today.

    ,

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    49AppendixTwo - Negativity Fast

    40 Day Negativity FastIgniting Faith in 40 Days

    What a Negativity Fast is Not:

    1. It is not denying that problems exist.2. It is not stuffing things that are wrong.

    3. It is not critical of others who may be struggling.

    4. It is not irresponsible concerning things that need tobe done.

    What a Negativity Fast Is:

    1. It is determining to focus more on Gods promises

    than on problems.

    2. It is learning to speak with hope about even the

    toughest of issues.

    3. It is becoming solution focused rather than prob-

    lem focused.4. It is refraining from reacting and giving voice to

    pessimism, criticism of others, self-criticism and

    other forms of unbelief.

    5. It is speaking about problems to the right people in

    the right way.

    6. It is replacing negative words & thoughts with posi-tive words and thoughts based on the promises of

    God.

    Note: It is crucial to not only stop thinking and speaking unbelief

    and negativity; but to grow in thinking and speaking the posi-

    tive truth, the promises of God, praising God, encouragement

    to others and thanksgiving. The negative must be replaced with

    the positive in orderfor this fast to be effective.

    Igniting Faith in 40 Days has been used by many as a

    daily devotional book to read during a personal or group

    40 day negativity fast.